Boulder in Shock After Antisemitic Firebomb Attack Leaves Eight Injured

Boulder, Colorado – June 1, 2025 — The usually peaceful and progressive city of Boulder was shaken to its core after a violent and hate-fueled attack occurred during a public demonstration on Pearl Street Mall. Eight people were injured, including a professor from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Holocaust survivor, in what is being described by authorities as a likely act of domestic terrorism and antisemitism.

A Peaceful Walk Turned Tragic

The event began as a solidarity walk organized by local Jewish organizations and community leaders to show support for Israeli hostages and promote peace in the Middle East. Dozens of participants gathered at Pearl Street Mall, a popular and vibrant location just a few blocks from the CU Boulder campus. The mood was calm, with many holding signs calling for unity and the release of innocent captives.

But shortly before 3:00 p.m., chaos erupted.

According to eyewitnesses, a man emerged from a nearby alley and threw several makeshift firebombs into the crowd. Witnesses said the devices appeared to be Molotov cocktails, followed by a small homemade flamethrower that he used to ignite a fire near the center of the gathering.

Screams filled the air as people rushed to escape the flames. Emergency responders arrived quickly on the scene, extinguishing the fire and treating the wounded. Boulder Police confirmed that eight people were hospitalized, with one in critical condition as of June 2.

Victims Include CU Boulder Professor and Holocaust Survivor

Among those injured were a long-serving professor from the University of Colorado Boulder and a local Holocaust survivor, both of whom were helping lead the event. The professor, who has not yet been named publicly, sustained burns and was hospitalized for treatment. The survivor, an 84-year-old woman, was reportedly badly shaken but is expected to recover.

“It is deeply disturbing that such an act could happen in our community,” said CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano in a statement. “We stand in solidarity with the victims and condemn this hateful violence in the strongest possible terms.”

The university has since increased campus security and offered counseling services to affected students, faculty, and staff.

FBI Joins Investigation, Hate Crime Charges Expected

Local authorities quickly apprehended the suspect, a 27-year-old male whose name has not been released. Witnesses say he was heard shouting “Free Palestine” and other anti-Israel slogans during the attack. Police have confirmed that they recovered evidence suggesting premeditation, including multiple incendiary devices.

The FBI has taken over the investigation, treating the incident as a potential hate crime and domestic terrorism. In a press briefing, FBI Denver Field Office Director Laura Garcia stated, “This was a targeted act of violence against a peaceful assembly, and we are pursuing it with the full weight of the federal government.”

The suspect is expected to face federal hate crime charges, along with attempted murder and unlawful possession of explosive devices.

Community Reacts with Fear and Unity

The attack has left the Boulder community in shock and mourning. Local synagogues and Jewish organizations held a candlelight vigil the evening of June 2, drawing hundreds of people. Leaders from diverse religious and civic backgrounds spoke about the importance of unity, tolerance, and resistance to hatred.

“This was not just an attack on Jewish people,” said Rabbi Miriam Goldstein of Boulder’s Temple Shalom. “It was an attack on the values of peace, compassion, and mutual respect that we all cherish. We cannot allow fear and hate to divide us.”

Students at CU Boulder have also mobilized, with the Jewish Student Union organizing a campus-wide awareness campaign to educate others about antisemitism and extremist violence. Flyers, banners, and social media campaigns have circulated under the hashtag #BoulderStrong and #StandWithPeace.

A Pattern of Rising Hate Crimes

The incident in Boulder is the latest in a disturbing trend of rising antisemitic attacks across the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents hit an all-time high in 2024, with over 4,500 documented cases nationwide.

“This tragic event is part of a broader and deeply worrying pattern,” said ADL regional director Nancy Levinson. “We need stronger action from political, academic, and community leaders to confront hate before it escalates to violence.”

Lawmakers in Colorado have echoed similar concerns. Governor Jared Polis, who is Jewish, expressed outrage at the attack, stating: “Violence has no place in Colorado. Our hearts are with the victims, and we will ensure that justice is served.”

Moving Forward with Resolve

While the investigation continues, Boulder residents are trying to return to a sense of normalcy while acknowledging the pain caused by the attack. Community healing events are being planned throughout the week, including interfaith dialogues, public forums, and additional security training for local event organizers.

CU Boulder has also announced plans to host a university-wide forum on hate crime awareness and prevention, with speakers from law enforcement, academia, and affected communities.

As Boulder grapples with this tragic event, the overarching message from its residents remains clear: hate will not win. The people of Boulder, known for their inclusivity and progressive values, are standing together to ensure that love, understanding, and justice remain stronger than fear and violence.

—

If you or someone you know was affected by the Pearl Street incident, CU Boulder encourages students and staff to contact the Office of Victim Assistance at (303) 492-8855 or visit www.colorado.edu/ova for confidential support.